Zirconia (Ceramic) Implant in Washington DC & McLean VA

Zirconia (ceramic) implants are the premier metal-free alternative to traditional titanium implants, offering outstanding biocompatibility, natural aesthetics, and excellent long-term tissue health.

Unlike titanium, zirconia is fully ceramic, making it ideal for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies and for those who desire a more natural-looking result. Zirconia dental implants support superior gum adherence and reduce tissue strain, while full-ceramic restorations remain discreet even if gum recession occurs, without the grayish hue sometimes seen with titanium.

Dr. Saltman has been performing zirconia implant surgery since the first FDA-approved generation of zirconia implants (Z-Systems) and has hands-on experience with every subsequent generation, including the latest SDS zirconia implants by Swiss Dental Solutions. Because zirconia implant surgery follows a fundamentally different surgical protocol than titanium implants, expertise in titanium alone does not translate to proficiency with zirconia. Choosing a surgeon with dedicated, long-term experience in zirconia implantology is essential for optimal outcomes.

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Why Dental Implants?
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

Tooth loss affects more than just your smile—it can impact your (oral/overall) health, facial appearance, confidence, and daily quality of life. Leaving missing teeth untreated can lead to the following problems:

What Happens When Teeth Are Missing

Shifting of nearby teeth: Adjacent teeth can drift into the empty space, causing misalignment and bite problems.

Jawbone loss (bone resorption): Without a tooth root, the jawbone shrinks over time.

Loss of facial support: Bone and vertical height loss can make the face appear older, sunken, or hollow.

Chewing difficulty: Reduced bite force and inefficient chewing can affect nutrition and comfort.

Speech difficulties: Missing teeth can make it harder to speak clearly.

Higher risk of dental problems: Increased risk of gum disease and cavities in remaining teeth.

Emotional impact: A “gappy” smile may cause embarrassment, loss of confidence, and avoidance of social interactions.

How Dental Implants Help

Preserve jawbone: Implants prevent bone loss by stimulating the bone like a natural tooth root.

Protect surrounding teeth: Implants keep adjacent teeth intact.

Restore function: Improves chewing strength and speech clarity.

Enhance appearance: Supports facial structure and improves your smile.

Natural look and feel: Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Stable and durable: Designed to be long-lasting (permanent) and easy to maintain.

Improves confidence: Allows you to smile, eat, and speak without worry.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a sophisticated surgical treatment used to replace one, several, or even all missing teeth when they cannot be restored. Dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering unmatched stability, function, and longevity compared to traditional dental bridges.

During treatment, the implant is carefully placed into the jawbone, where it biologically integrates with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration. This creates a strong, permanent foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth.

In many cases, a dental implant can be placed immediately after tooth extraction, reducing the total treatment time. Implant surgery is safe, typically completed in under one hour, and recovery usually lasts only a few days.

Traditionally, a tooth would be extracted and bone grafting performed first, followed by a healing period of about four months before placing the implant. With advanced implant systems and cutting-edge surgical techniques, Dr. Saltman can often place the implant at the time of extraction, cutting the overall treatment time in half. Because implant placement is a precise surgical procedure that requires expertise, it is performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ensure safety, accuracy and optimal long-term results

What is a Zirconia Implant?

Zirconia Dental Implants Zirconia (zirconium oxide) dental implants represent the latest advancement in implant dentistry and are increasingly recognized for their exceptional biocompatibility, hygienic properties, and aesthetic advantages. Clinical research has demonstrated that zirconia integrates well with bone while promoting healthy gum attachment and minimizing inflammation. Unlike traditional titanium implants, zirconia implants are completely metal-free, making them an ideal choice for patients with metal sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or those seeking the most biologically compatible solution available.

Modern zirconia implant systems also feature advanced surface treatments that support reliable integration and excellent long-term outcomes, even in patients with higher healing demands. Because zirconia implants are highly technique-sensitive and follow a different surgical protocol than titanium implants, they should be placed by a surgeon with specialized training and extensive experience in zirconia implantology.

Why Choose Zirconia Dental Implants?

1. Osseointegration

Zirconia implants integrate predictably and reliably with the jawbone. Modern zirconia systems feature advanced surface treatments that support strong bone bonding, creating a stable foundation for long-lasting dental restorations.

2. Biocompatible & Hypoallergenic

Zirconia is a bioinert ceramic material that the body accepts with minimal to no physiological reaction. It does not release metal ions or particles and does not trigger immune responses. This makes zirconia implants an ideal choice for patients with metal allergies, sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or compromised immune systems.

For sensitive individuals, long-term metal exposure has been associated with inflammation, gum discomfort, bone loss, fatigue, or skin irritation—sometimes developing years after placement. Choosing zirconia from the start eliminates these risks.

3. Metal-Free, Corrosion-Free & Bioinert

Zirconia implants are 100% metal-free, eliminating concerns related to corrosion, metallic taste, galvanic reactions, or electrical conductivity. Because zirconia does not conduct electricity, it avoids the discomfort or sensitivity some patients experience with metal restorations. Unlike titanium, which may corrode over time and release ions that bind to proteins and migrate into surrounding tissues, zirconia remains chemically stable in the oral environment and does not corrode over time, providing a safer long-term solution.

4. White, Tooth-Colored & Superior Aesthetics

Zirconia dental implants offer the most natural-looking solution available in implant dentistry. Unlike titanium, which is dark gray and may become visible through thin, translucent, or receding gums, zirconia is radiant white and closely mimics the color of natural teeth. Even as gums change over time, zirconia implants do not create dark lines or shadows, ensuring consistently beautiful, discreet results.

5. Healthier Gums & Reduced Bacterial Adhesion

Zirconia has a smooth surface that resists plaque buildup better than titanium. Studies show reduced bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on zirconia, especially during early healing. This helps lower the risk of peri-implantitis and supports long-term gum health.

6. High Strength, Stability & Durability

Zirconia is a strong, durable ceramic material that can withstand significant bite forces. Zirconia implants offer excellent structural stability and a low risk of mechanical failure, making them comparable to titanium in function while offering added biological and aesthetic benefits.

7. One-Piece Design

One-piece zirconia implants integrate the implant body and abutment into a single ceramic structure. This eliminates micro-gaps and prosthetic connections where bacteria commonly accumulate, improving gum health and soft-tissue stability.

8. One-Stage Surgery (Often Immediate Placement)

Advanced zirconia implant systems and surgical techniques often allow implant placement immediately after tooth extraction. This can significantly shorten treatment time and reduce the number of procedures required, while maintaining predictable outcomes in appropriately selected cases.

Steps involved with getting a Zirconia/Ceramic Dental Implant (Metal Free Dental Implant)

Zirconia/ceramic implant (metal free implant) surgery replaces tooth roots with a non metallic ceramic called Zirconia. This is a special types of ceramic which is extra hard and its physical property and strength is even higher than titanium metallic implant.

Zirconia/ceramic implant is an ideal solution for replacing damaged or missing teeth. It looks and work much like natural tooth.

Since success rate of Zirconia implant is at 98% similar to tandem metallic implant but offers many more benefits which titanium implant can’t offer, at Saltman implanvology an Doral surgery our first recommendation to our patients is zirconia/ceramic (metal free implant).

The type of implant and the condition of the jawbone guide how dental implant surgery is done. This surgery may involve several procedures. The major benefit of implants is solid support for the new teeth — a process that requires the bone to heal tightly around the implant. Because this bone healing requires time, the process can take many months

Your first visit: Consultation and Planning

The journey toward getting zirconia/ceramic dental implants begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Zach Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon who is sub-specialized in zirconia/ceramic implant surgeries. This is a crucial step to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for zirconia/ceramic dental implants. Dr. Saltman, our oral surgeon will review your 3 demential x-rays, your medical and dental history, will examine any factors that could affect the success of the implant procedure, such as underlying health conditions or oral health issues. At Saltman implanvology and oral surgery we use Advanced 3D imaging techniques. As part of our consultation protocol, , Dr. Saltman asks one of our surgical assistants to take a 3D x-ray of your jaw unless you already brought a CD with you containing your #D imaging study.3 dimensional imaging will provide detailed images of your jawbone, revealing its density, volume, and the location of vital structures like nerves and sinuses. This information is essential for planning the precise placement of the zirconia/ceramic dental implants. After listening to your goals and expectations from zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery and reviewing your dental/medical history and 3D x-ray, Dr. Saltman will present an ideal treatment plan to you. If you agree with the presented treatment plan, you will be schedule for your zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery

Your second visit: Zirconia/Ceramic Dental Implant Surgery

Zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery is a multi-step procedure that involves placing the implant into the jawbone to act as a root for the artificial tooth. Step 1: Administration of Anesthesia The surgery begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia used can vary, ranging from local anesthesia to numb the area, to sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your comfort level. Many patients prefer to have IV sedation so they can sleep comfortably during the surgery. This is an option which you can request from Dr. Zach Saltman, oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Step 2: Incision and Exposure of the Bone Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Zach Saltman, our oral surgeon, will make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone where the zirconia/ceramic dental implant will be placed. This incision provides access to the jawbone for the next steps of the procedure. Step 3: Drilling a Hole in the Bone After exposing the jawbone, Dr. Saltman uses a specialized drill to create a hole in the bone. This hole is where the zirconia/ceramic dental implant will be inserted. The drilling process is done carefully to avoid damage to surrounding structures and to prepare the site precisely for the implant. Step 4: Placing the Zirconia/Ceramic Dental Implant With the hole prepared, the zirconia/ceramic dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The zirconia/ceramic dental implant serves as an artificial root for the new tooth. The depth and angle of the implant are critical and are carefully controlled to ensure the best possible outcome for the placement of the prosthetic tooth. Step 5: Closing the Gum Tissue After the zirconia/ceramic dental implant is secured in place, Dr. Saltman will stitches the gum tissue back together. The entire surgical process can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the number of implants being placed and the complexity of the individual case. After the surgery, you will be given time to rest and recover before being allowed to go home. While some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are normal after the procedure, Dr. Saltman will provide instructions for care and pain management during the healing process.

Your third Visit: Post Surgical Follow-up

Usually post surgery follow-up appointment will be scheduled a week later to monitor the healing process. This visit are an opportunity to address any concerns and adjust care protocols as needed.

Your fourth Visit: Final appointment with Dr. Saltman

This visit will be 8-10 weeks after your zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery date. During this visit Dr. Saltman, our oral surgeon sub-specialized in zirconia implant surgery, will assess the success of the surgery by checking the stability of your Zirconia/ceramic dental implant. If your implant is solid and completely fused to the surrounding bone then you can see your restorative dentist for the crown or bridge over your Zirconia/ceramic dental Implants

When you have lost fair volume of your jaw bone and bone grafting is required during or prior zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery

If your jawbone isn't thick enough or you have lost significant height of your jaw bone, you may need bone grafting during or before your zirconia/ceramic dental implant surgery to rebuild the bone which has been lost. Dr. Zach Saltman, our oral surgeon at Saltman implanvology and oral surgery, can use several bone graft materials options to rebuild your jawbone. Options may include bone harvested from another location in your jaw. Another option is human bone from a tissue bank or bovine bone graft material. Keep in mind bone graft sourced from a mother human being or bovine doesn’t have any cells in it. It is just the organic structure of the bone which acts as a scaffold and after 4-12 months this bone graft will be absorbed by your bone cell and replaced by live bone generated by your own bone cells.

Dr. Saltman will talk to you about all of bone graft options and helps your to make an educated decision about the type of bone graft used during the surgery